The Most Important Song

Dent, the latest effort from Cleveland’s Signals Midwest, feels, to me, like an urgent, hand-to-heart ode to easier days, and as a tribute to midwest emo and punk. The first LP by them in a surprising six years, Dent is earnest, full of heart and fire and catchy tunes. This is maybe best exemplified by this post’s Most Important: “Gold in The Grey” but there are plenty of tracks to choose from, should you want to take a little listen back to a simpler, more energetic time. (And, yes, I may be projecting a bit here, deal with it.)

“I’ve come here to make a ceramic shoe, and I’ve come to smash what you’ve made.” Haha, that might be enough to pique your interest, but if not, just give the video a watch. Dry Cleaning’s debut album, New Long Leg, is terrific, and this gem, “Scratchcard Lanyard” is quirky fun. I think I heard them first, not all that long ago, with “Magic of Meghan” which captures a lot of what I like about them; terrific lyrics, driving low-fi instrumentation and a cool vibe. Excited to see what they do next.

Squid’s debut album isn’t out yet, and “highly anticipated” might be an understatement. Over the last several months they’ve released a series of singles that…are… awesome. The most recent, “Paddling”, should give you an idea of what they’re all about. You like it? You’ll like it.

Open Door Policy is here and it’s another winner from The Hold Steady. I’m not sure I can think of a band that is as consistently awesome as The Hold Steady clearly works hard to be. They are wholly unique, both approachable and wonky at the same time and they never, ever disappoint. In fact, they seem to be getting better over time? Is that even possible?

Ah, in any case, check out “Unpleasant Breakfast” it’s fantastic, as is the rest of the album.

“Sad React” is the latest from witty and enigmatic singer Chad Matheny and it’s a terrific example of what he does best; blending clever lyrics with extremely catchy, minimal yet complicated pop vibes. The subject this time is social media and the trials and tribulations of our reactions to it. It also has a giant fuck you ending, so be warned. Give it a listen, and if you’re hooked, as I was when I first discovered him, give some of his older stuff a listen. I particularly love “Allahu Akbar” (no it’s not a trap), “Erica Western Teleport” and the low-key epic “€30,000”.

As Days Get Dark is the latest from Arab Strap and it’s a bit of a throw-back. Which is kind of a ridiculous statement as it’s the first album from the Scottish duo in about fifteen years. To my ears, it sounds as if this could have followed hot on the footsteps of 2005’s The Last Romance. Very cool and, if anything, As Days Get Dark feels like it’s got more youthful energy than their previous efforts, but maybe that’s just my mood listening to it.

I think they have six or more albums out at this point, but Sleaford Mods are new to me as of this year. Their latest album, Spare Ribs, is a lot of funky; slightly awkward, overly serious at times, too silly at others and generally easy to love but hard to categorize. There are quite a few good tracks on Spare Ribs, so it was a bit tough to pick one. I went with “Mork n Mindy” for a few reasons, not least of which is the terrific guest vocal performance by Billy Nomates. Her latest, especially “Petrol Fumes”, is great.

“All of Me” is one of a few single-worthy tracks off of Maximo Park’s latest album, Nature Always Wins. It’s good, as are most of their newer tracks, though I have to say, I’m not nearly as into this most recent effort as I have been in previous releases. Maximo Park is still right at the top of the “live bands I’ve never seen” list though, and I am very happy and excited that they have new music out. Now, if only we can get this pandemic business over and done with so I can catch them live, that'd be ace.

Black Country, New Road made an impression on me right away. “Sunglasses” which is a crazy, cool song, popped up in one of my playlists and when I heard it I did a double-take and went right black and listened to it again. And then I texted it to a few friends and my brother. A good sign.

“Hesitation” is the first track I heard of Tigers Jaw’s latest, I Won’t Care How You Remember Me, and it was an instant add to my 2021 songs list, and a vision of what the rest of the album would hold. What’s what? Well, it’s some really good rock that falls somewhere between classic rock and mid-2000’s emo. In the best way.